Exams, homework, reading, clubs, internships, work. College is a stressful time so here’s a list of things you can do to try to reclaim your sanity.

Cook

Cooking is fun and you don’t even have to cook for others. This is something that anybody can do. Seriously, anybody can cook if they just try. And who cares if it doesn’t come out looking like a dish from Iron Chef America? At least Chef Gordon Ramsey isn’t going to pop out of your kitchen oven screaming and throwing raw beef at you so it’s all good!

Video Games

Perhaps you don’t want to become a complete zombie by vegging out so the next best thing is to kill zombies! With your video game console of choice of course. Video games can even improve the mood and send stress packing like the two-timing, lying, scumbag, who gambled away all of little Bobby’s college savings on an illegitimate bet! And now we can’t even afford a pack of cheese! Oh god. Okay. Okay. Calm down, Billy. Just shoot the zombies…

Tidy up

I know a lot of neat freaks like clean obsessively when they’re stressed and I’ve done that myself. It feels pretty good to finally get all that laundry done or dust the old bookshelf. Or if you’re feeling really stressed go tackle that oven and give it a nice scrub. Scrub that thing like it’s got your ex-boyfriend’s face burnt into it. He had a stupid smile anyways!

Workout

Working out will not only get you into shape but studies have shown that physical exercise also causes your body to release endorphins, chemicals that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Doing strenuous activities like playing a quick game of H.O.R.S.E. or going on a jog will give you the energy you need to power through a tough day.

Go out with friends

If you’re stressed about academics, do what students do best and rage so hard you wake up with Pauly D’s hair. Bald people can do it too. I’m a witness. Go watch the stupidest movie out there or go watch that movie you’ve been wondering about but not really sure you want to spend money on. Now that movie’s awesome.

Talk to an old friend

Let’s get serious for a moment. Old friends are the reason why you still have your Facebook account. It’s amazing what a stress reliever reminiscing about prom night can be or talking about that one time you saw Weird-Eyed Wilma get hit by a car while riding her bike. You all laughed while feeling some slight guilt deep inside. Aww yeah, good times.

Take a break, veg a little

Sometimes the best thing to do when stressed is to do nothing. Yes, you heard that correct. Take it from an expert, (I’m pretty good at doing nothing) lounging around flippin’ through channels on a hot afternoon, still in your boxer shorts, smelling like last Thursday on a Sunday, yeah, it really clears the mind. It’s like an exercise in cleansing the soul but beware, too much and you may just lose yourself!

Breathe

Perhaps the best stress reliever of them all. It’s basic and primal: breathe. We need oxygen to survive and when we’re angry we don’t take as many breaths as we should. It’s good to let your brain have all the ammo it needs during a stressful situation so you can deal with things calmly and with a clear mind. So go ahead, breathe, breathe in the air.